Food Intolerance Testing

Clareman

Hi All,

First time poster so sorry if my question has been answered 100 times in the past.

I've always noticed that some foods don't agree with me, for example white soda bread or Apaché pizza will run through me whereas brown bread or Domino's would be fine. I also noticed that if I eat some breads that I'll come out in a rash around my mouth. Common sense down through the years meant that I just avoided certain things, for example certain beers would kill me so I avoid those.

Now however I've noticed that more and more things drive my guts crazy and it means that if I go for dinner or an event that I will be suffering for 2 or 3 days afterwards. I was listening to the radio at the weekend and I heard about food intolerance testing, I know the person on the radio was selling a product, but a lot of what he was saying ticked a lot of boxes for me, I was wondering what people's opinions of the tests are and if there's 1 in particular that would be recommened (price and service of course).

Thanks

Typer Monkey

Have you been to your GP about your symptoms? That'd be my first port of call before thinking about allergy testing tbh

Clareman

I mentioned it to him before and he advised to cut things completely out for a few weeks to see if there's any improvement, but did send away for a coeliac (which came back negative). The problem isn't cutting stuff out normally, it's when I'm at an event or something I don't know what not to have, would be nice to know (for example) that I can't have the dessert cause there's something in it that I can't handle, or that I can't have a certain type of wine cause of something in that.

Greyian

I got the York Test done in Charlemount Clinic a few months ago. There were 4 different levels if I remember correctly (testing 50, 75, 100 and 150 different possible intolerances). I'm not sure where else offers it. It is quite costly (I think it was about €250 for the 150 Test), but it was very good.
Might be worth looking in to.

I think this is the new version of it: http://www.yorktest.ie/products/yorktest-food-drinkscan-food-programme/

Clareman

Greyian wrote: »

I got the York Test done in Charlemount Clinic a few months ago. There were 4 different levels if I remember correctly (testing 50, 75, 100 and 150 different possible intolerances). I'm not sure where else offers it. It is quite costly (I think it was about €250 for the 150 Test), but it was very good.
Might be worth looking in to.

I think this is the new version of it: http://www.yorktest.ie/products/yorktest-food-drinkscan-food-programme/

Looks to be €350 now, my guts are in such a state now since a wedding on Friday I think I'll go for it.

MrFrisp

I had very similar symptoms to yourself for ages, except the rash around the mouth.

After a small process of elimination, I worked out it was Wheat causing my problem.

I have been off wheat for a few weeks now, and I've noticed a big difference in how my insides behave, and it's all for the better.

Stopped drinking beer now as well, and have the odd glass of cider, or you can also get Gluten free beers.

Did say it to my GP, but he just brushed it off and said the intolerance testing is a waste of time.

Glad I sorted it on my own though.
.

Clareman

After another day of feeling like absolute cr@p I've decided to go ahead and order a test, I went with the York test and was going to go with the Food and Drink 1 but rang them up first, the nice person on the phone said my symptoms sound more like IBS (she explained that this is just an umbrella description) but that that test might be a better option as it contains all the Food & Drink stuff along with follow up consultations and a customized FODMAP plan.

Sorry if I annoy anyone here and if it's just a fad, but at this stage I'm willing to try anything.

v638sg7k1a92bx

Does anyone know if the food intolerance tests are just a fad? Boots, Fitzwilliam Food Test and York Test are three options I'm aware of, price is the same but not sure if one is more credible than the other?

generic2012

As far as I know they are a gimmick. Maybe some one else knows but I'd be very very surprised to see independent research showing they are accurate, I'd love to know the process by which they 'work' too.

v638sg7k1a92bx

Found this https://www.indi.ie/health-professionals/690-ifan-iaai-issue-statement-on-allergy-and-food-intolerance-testing.html
Anyone care to interpret?

Typer Monkey

I honestly think (with the exception of medical conditions like coeliac disease, Chrones etc) that the only way to see if you're sensitive to wheat, dairy whatever is to eliminate it for a few weeks and then reintroduce and see what happens.

I'm never going to get on board with anything involving magnets or holding onto handles and results in a list of random 'allergens' like peas, cucumber etc

Clareman

Personally, I think they are a bit of a gimmick (this is the guy who is after spending €350 on 1), I think what they do is detect anti-bodies to certain foods, if you don't eat those foods there won't be an anti-body for it, if there's more anti-bodies of a certain type then it might signify that your body has to work harder to get rid of the food, either that or you are eating too much of it.

From my point of view, an elimination diet isn't that great of an option without some guidance, for example, I might try to eliminate it but without thinking I'll order it or cook it. If I get a plan, or guideline, then I'll stick to it. Also, I'll know, if for example, I find out to have an intolerance to beer, I'll know that if I decide to have a beer that I'll have to deal with it. Going for days with your guts in bits because of something isn't worth it.

By the way, I'll track my findings with the test on here to share my findings/thoughts of the process.

reni10

Very interested to hear your findings Clareman.

I think I need to get something done as well as I think I may be Yeast intolerant!

Surprised they did not tell you to go for the First Step Test first and then decide if you needed to go for the next set of tests:
http://www.yorktest.ie/products/first-step-test/

I believe they discount the €30 for the First Step test from the €350 if you need further testing so it would make sense to do that first I would have thought?

Did you go for the IBS Diet Test and when will you get the results?

Diddlydoubt

Lads, I experience similar problems myself. Severe bloating and bouts of trapped wind in my lower abdomen.

Got tested by my doctor and results came back that I didnt have anything medically wrong, but that my symptoms would indicate that I suffer from some form of IBS. However I still suffer from this on an ongoing basis.

Within my diet I dont eat bread at all really and would have a low sugar intake overall so I dont think its a gluten intolerance.

However I would eat a large volume of vegetables/salad during the course of the day and having done a little research this may be the root cause of my problem.

From looking at the IBS Diet sheet it appears that I eat a huge amount of the items off the 'Insoluble fiber' section on a daily basis. I plan to experiment by cutting back totally on items from the insoluble fiber section and seeing what result that has on my bloating issues.

Has anybody suffered from similar symptoms as me in relation to vegetables particularly and what did you do to help resolve the problem?

Clareman

reni10 wrote: »

Very interested to hear your findings Clareman.

I think I need to get something done as well as I think I may be Yeast intolerant!

Surprised they did not tell you to go for the First Step Test first and then decide if you needed to go for the next set of tests:
http://www.yorktest.ie/products/first-step-test/

I believe they discount the €30 for the First Step test from the €350 if you need further testing so it would make sense to do that first I would have thought?

Did you go for the IBS Diet Test and when will you get the results?

I think the first scan will just come up saying if you have an intolerance or not, it won't give you a breakdown of what you are intolerant to, if you do 1 of the other tests and you turn out not to be intolerant to anything they give you €320 back (i.e. just charge for the first test).

generic2012

Clareman wrote: »

I think the first scan will just come up saying if you have an intolerance or not, it won't give you a breakdown of what you are intolerant to, if you do 1 of the other tests and you turn out not to be intolerant to anything they give you €320 back (i.e. just charge for the first test).

Sounds like you're guaranteed to be intolerant of something so.

candle_wax

Just thought I'd chip in here. I've had terrible digestive "habits" for 7/8 years, but only now going through a spell of getting it properly looked into (before this I was insistent on find a "solution" myself/thought it was just something "normal" that a lot of people live with...)

For anyone with similar problems the first thing is to get to your doctor and make sure it's nothing more serious (eg bloods to show up stuff like Crohn's or colitis). I also had a colonoscopy which came back clear - which was actually a great for piece of mind. And your doc should be able to give you something (anti-spasmodic) to ease some of the symptoms/pain.

I don't eat wheat anymore (after years of being reluctant to give it up as I was convinced it was just a fad!) but gotta admit it's improved things for me a lot. But it's still not perfect and I still have really bad days.

My own GP says the problem with these intolerance tests is that they can lead people down a highly restrictive path, and that you'll most likely end up with a significant list of things that mightn't actually be the root of the problem at all. But he says the FODMAP diet, while restrictive, has helped a good few patients.

I've since been referred to a gastroenterologist to confirm whether it's "just" IBS or anything more serious. So waiting on that.

Alf Veedersane

Clareman wrote: »

From my point of view, an elimination diet isn't that great of an option without some guidance, for example, I might try to eliminate it but without thinking I'll order it or cook it. If I get a plan, or guideline, then I'll stick to it. Also, I'll know, if for example, I find out to have an intolerance to beer, I'll know that if I decide to have a beer that I'll have to deal with it. Going for days with your guts in bits because of something isn't worth it.

Guidance from someone else won't protect you from your bad choices though.

Clareman

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

Guidance from someone else won't protect you from your bad choices though.

I know, I know, but I'm the kind of person who if I "think" something is up I'll think that I'll be grand, but if someone "tells" me then I'll avoid it, or at least will make a conscience decision to.

Clareman

candle_wax wrote: »

Just thought I'd chip in here. I've had terrible digestive "habits" for 7/8 years, but only now going through a spell of getting it properly looked into (before this I was insistent on find a "solution" myself/thought it was just something "normal" that a lot of people live with...)

For anyone with similar problems the first thing is to get to your doctor and make sure it's nothing more serious (eg bloods to show up stuff like Crohn's or colitis). I also had a colonoscopy which came back clear - which was actually a great for piece of mind. And your doc should be able to give you something (anti-spasmodic) to ease some of the symptoms/pain.

I don't eat wheat anymore (after years of being reluctant to give it up as I was convinced it was just a fad!) but gotta admit it's improved things for me a lot. But it's still not perfect and I still have really bad days.

My own GP says the problem with these intolerance tests is that they can lead people down a highly restrictive path, and that you'll most likely end up with a significant list of things that mightn't actually be the root of the problem at all. But he says the FODMAP diet, while restrictive, has helped a good few patients.

I've since been referred to a gastroenterologist to confirm whether it's "just" IBS or anything more serious. So waiting on that.

The IBS profile from York Test includes the FODMAP and 2 sessions with a nutritionist.

generic2012

Clareman wrote: »

The IBS profile from York Test includes the FODMAP and 2 sessions with a nutritionist.

Legally, I'm a nutritionist.

Clareman

generic2012 wrote: »

Legally, I'm a nutritionist.

Good point, anyone can print out a cert. Believe me when I say I'm the last person to go in for any kind of "new age" stuff, but at this stage I'm willing to give anything a try.

generic2012

Clareman wrote: »

Good point, anyone can print out a cert. Believe me when I say I'm the last person to go in for any kind of "new age" stuff, but at this stage I'm willing to give anything a try.

And fair play bout being so honest about it! Most people have an opinion, and argue for it by twisting facts rather than the correct way of changing opinions based on facts! I could trust your opinion on the results more than someone who goes in thinking it's going to work. Empiricism FTW!

Clareman

generic2012 wrote: »

And fair play bout being so honest about it! Most people have an opinion, and argue for it by twisting facts rather than the correct way of changing opinions based on facts! I could trust your opinion on the results more than someone who goes in thinking it's going to work. Empiricism FTW!

I'm sure there'll be a massive placebo effect involved in getting the results as well so I don't think it can possible be conclusive, but as I say, I'm willing to try anything.

generic2012

Clareman wrote: »

I'm sure there'll be a massive placebo effect involved in getting the results as well so I don't think it can possible be conclusive, but as I say, I'm willing to try anything.

Being aware of all that stuff is half the battle.

v638sg7k1a92bx

Would the money be better spent on a consultation with a dietician?

Clareman

Ayla Numerous Walker wrote: »

Would the money be better spent on a consultation with a dietician?

Might be, but the money combines the test with 2 consultations and a customized diet drawn up.

Mr.Frame

Clareman wrote: »

Hi All,

First time poster so sorry if my question has been answered 100 times in the past.

I've always noticed that some foods don't agree with me, for example white soda bread or Apaché pizza will run through me whereas brown bread or Domino's would be fine. I also noticed that if I eat some breads that I'll come out in a rash around my mouth. Common sense down through the years meant that I just avoided certain things, for example certain beers would kill me so I avoid those.

Now however I've noticed that more and more things drive my guts crazy and it means that if I go for dinner or an event that I will be suffering for 2 or 3 days afterwards. I was listening to the radio at the weekend and I heard about food intolerance testing, I know the person on the radio was selling a product, but a lot of what he was saying ticked a lot of boxes for me, I was wondering what people's opinions of the tests are and if there's 1 in particular that would be recommened (price and service of course).

Thanks

I would suggest you go to a kinesiologist and get him/het to test you for particular foods you may be sensitive to.
It is quite accurate and far cheaper than the York test

Clareman

Sorry for the lack of updates, been a bit manic.

I received the test on Monday, which was a good time as I went for a buffet for lunch on Sunday so I'd imagine I ate everything that I would eat then so something should show up.

The test itself is simple, sign a form, sign a vile, prick your finger, soak the blood up in a pipette type device, put pipette in the vile, pack everything up and send it back.

The blurb says that it should be back within 10 days, I posted it late yesterday evening so I guess today is day 1. On a side note, if you are going to prick your finger don't prick the top of it cause that make typing a bit sore.

Greenmachine

Friend of mine has recent had one of them done. And has come back with a list as long as my arm of food to avoid. I think they are mostly snake oil. Seem reasonable to me, if they were legit, you could get a referral from a gp and it would be done in a hospital.

al22

Eliminate some foods for a while and see yourself

One can have no problems detected to any food, but every food has different ingredients and spices and that can cause a problems

Most allergic can be breads and bakery, milk and milk products and anything, it's individually. Also depends on age, products good when one is young can be not advisable after 25-30+.

Clareman

I'm just back from a 10 day business trip, 1 of the days I was in absolute bits, stomach in complete bits, no energy and I had the sweats majorly. The fact that I was in a very hot climate with buffet breakfasts, beer most evenings and fancy dinners every night didn't help. After a night of not being able to keep my eyes open after 8 and waking up numerous times with the air con on full whack but in a pool of sweat I figured I'd start with breakfast. I cut out breads/dough for breakfast, stick to basic meals when out and whiskey when socializing (in my line of work you have to have a drink really). I noticed a couple of days later I was right as rain again.

Anyway, just back as I said and my results are back. I've shown up as reacting to Cows Milk, Wheat, Egg White, Gluten, Egg Yolk, Yeast and Peanut with a borderline reaction to Grape (Merlot). This mostly makes sense, for example, if I was to have a full latte I'd be in bits but a skinny latte I'd be alright (if you saw me you'd laugh to hear me order a skinny anything). The eggs are a surprise as are the peanuts, the Peanuts do make sense however as when I was away I was eating a lot of them with beer, they'd just give you a bowl with your beer and they go very well together.

My plan now is to get over my jet lag and call the offices tomorrow, I got a card with my details with a number to ring to arrange my first consultation, there's also a bit of literature with it for me to read, I'm too tired to do it now but I'll let you know what I find later.

generic2012

Clareman wrote: »

I'm just back from a 10 day business trip, 1 of the days I was in absolute bits, stomach in complete bits, no energy and I had the sweats majorly. The fact that I was in a very hot climate with buffet breakfasts, beer most evenings and fancy dinners every night didn't help. After a night of not being able to keep my eyes open after 8 and waking up numerous times with the air con on full whack but in a pool of sweat I figured I'd start with breakfast. I cut out breads/dough for breakfast, stick to basic meals when out and whiskey when socializing (in my line of work you have to have a drink really). I noticed a couple of days later I was right as rain again.

Anyway, just back as I said and my results are back. I've shown up as reacting to Cows Milk, Wheat, Egg White, Gluten, Egg Yolk, Yeast and Peanut with a borderline reaction to Grape (Merlot). This mostly makes sense, for example, if I was to have a full latte I'd be in bits but a skinny latte I'd be alright (if you saw me you'd laugh to hear me order a skinny anything). The eggs are a surprise as are the peanuts, the Peanuts do make sense however as when I was away I was eating a lot of them with beer, they'd just give you a bowl with your beer and they go very well together.

My plan now is to get over my jet lag and call the offices tomorrow, I got a card with my details with a number to ring to arrange my first consultation, there's also a bit of literature with it for me to read, I'm too tired to do it now but I'll let you know what I find later.

It's good that you found that out but I wouldn't praise the food test. The allergens you've mentioned are the most common allergens. Not belittling it or anything but be careful to praise the test results. If I said I can tell from your writing that you're a white Irish male you wouldn't be impressed because that is statistically massively likely.

Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybean make up 90% of food allergens. That covers everything you've listed as your triggers. Hopefully cutting that stuff out works, but if it does it's likely due to statistical probability and not a food test that isn't endorsed by mainstream medicine.

http://farrp.unl.edu/informallbig8

Woodbrook80

Hi I'm interested in this as I've got IBS
How's the food maps diet going for people I'm thinking of going to a dietician for this thanks

colman1212

So i just got a food intolerence test done. Phelonics seems to be my number one intolerence according to this thing. Along with gluten, wheat and lamb...test results attached..

specialCK

I went to fitzwilliam food testing this afternoon. I was sent away as they determined that the food testing would make me loose more weight than I needed to (that was not the objective of my visit). I also mentioned to them that i was in the legal profession so they were ultra cautious with me. The result was no test without a GP letter of referral! Thoughts anyone?

candle_wax

specialCK wrote: »

I went to fitzwilliam food testing this afternoon. I was sent away as they determined that the food testing would make me loose more weight than I needed to (that was not the objective of my visit). I also mentioned to them that i was in the legal profession so they were ultra cautious with me. The result was no test without a GP letter of referral! Thoughts anyone?

That sounds really dodgy to me!

Had you mentioned any weight issues? It makes no sense - what has elimination of foods got to do with weight loss? The fact they've link the two is a bit worrying, I think...

Clareman

I forgot about this thread, sorry for not updating.

I have tried to stick to this diet a bit but cutting out bread, peanuts, eggs and dairy where possible. I have to say my innards do feel better, I did have a sandwich a week or so ago and I noticed my stomach was in bits again, so I do think there is something in the bread alright, but I kind of knew that anyway.

I haven't rang for my consultations yet, I must get around to that actually.

specialCK

My weight is fine. I am lean. The nurse in charge said he didn't want to go ahead without a referral letter as what often happens is weight loss if you eliminate certain foods and my weight in his opinion was absolutely fine. However, that was not the objective the visit. I experience certain skin reactions to diary etc.

mejulie805

Having completed the FODMAPS diet, I would definitely recommend to anyone who has or thinks they have IBS to get to a nutritionist and start on the plan.

It's 6-8 weeks of avoiding all FODMAPs and gradual reintroduction, to see how you feel after certain foods.

For me, it was garlic and apples. GARLIC! :O I haven't stopped eating it completely, but I know what to expect when I do.

Nothing else works, everyone is different. I'm yet to find someone who did an 'allergy test' and wasn't told to reduce gluten and dairy..

Clareman

I decided to be bold on Saturday and have soup and a roll for lunch followed by a pastry, no real other difference in my diet, oh my good god I won't be doing that again, all the old symptoms back again, I even thought I was going to get sick on Saturday night, was doubled over in pain yesterday. And no it wasn't food poisoning as my wife had exactly the same lunch.

Clareman

Clareman wrote: »

I decided to be bold on Saturday and have soup and a roll for lunch followed by a pastry, no real other difference in my diet, oh my good god I won't be doing that again, all the old symptoms back again, I even thought I was going to get sick on Saturday night, was doubled over in pain yesterday. And no it wasn't food poisoning as my wife had exactly the same lunch.

Yeah, same happens to me with wheat. Only happened in the last year. It's a nuisance! I found it's much, much worse if you even look at alcohol after having wheat so if you do cave in again, don't do that...

Clareman

bluewolf wrote: »

Yeah, same happens to me with wheat. Only happened in the last year. It's a nuisance! I found it's much, much worse if you even look at alcohol after having wheat so if you do cave in again, don't do that...

I did have a few beers Friday night, so that might explain why it was so much worse, good to know.

Clareman

Clareman wrote: »

I did have a few beers Friday night, so that might explain why it was so much worse, good to know.

If you are reacting to bread you might have to stop the beer as well!! Or get the special brands

Clareman

bluewolf wrote: »

If you are reacting to bread you might have to stop the beer as well!! Or get the special brands

Not Budweiser then, great

Beer on it's own isn't bad, just a bad hangover really

Prezatch

You should be careful when eating out also. Always ask the waiter to check with the chef when ordering as a lot of sauces can contain gluten. When eating out you also run the risk of cross contamination if for instance chips (which are ok) are cooked in the same oil as say battered fish etc. - then you're in trouble.

Also, your tests results came back saying avoid cow's milk but I would test this to make sure it isn't just cow's milk - it could be dairy entirely. Try drinking a pint of normal milk one day vs a pint of Alpro unsweetened almond milk another day and see how you feel. You may need to exclude butter, cream, cheese etc. from your diet, like my girlfriend does. She is both gluten and dairy intolerant and experiences nausea, extreme bloating and tummy pain if she eats the wrong foods.

Lactase tablets can combat the effect of lactose contained in dairy but sadly there is nothing you can do about gluten except stop eating it and hope that your system improves over the years.

Clareman

Dairy isn't really a problem, but now that I think about it there was cream on the pastry I had on Saturday which wouldn't have helped. I've cut out dairy out of everything except tea/coffee, if it's a decent coffee I'll take it black, if taking milk I make sure it's low fat as well. I noticed for my daughter's birthday I had some cake with cream and I was in bits after it as well.

kevthegaff

Lads got the results of the food intolerance test, I used to feel tired after dinner every day so I got tested. I dont have problems in the stool department or get pains but I got a small rash lately in the neck which could be work related (chemical handling), anyway I have high intollerance to egg white, cows milk, wheat, nuts and chocolate. What ye think should I give them up??

might as well give them up completely for a few weeks then gradually reintroduce one at a time

Clareman

Yeah, what Bluewolf said, you might also get some advice from the company you did the test with as to what best to do for your particular result set.

El_Dangeroso

mejulie805 wrote: »

Having completed the FODMAPS diet, I would definitely recommend to anyone who has or thinks they have IBS to get to a nutritionist and start on the plan.

It's 6-8 weeks of avoiding all FODMAPs and gradual reintroduction, to see how you feel after certain foods.

For me, it was garlic and apples. GARLIC! :O I haven't stopped eating it completely, but I know what to expect when I do.

Nothing else works, everyone is different. I'm yet to find someone who did an 'allergy test' and wasn't told to reduce gluten and dairy..

So much this. FODMAPs is the ONLY proven dietary intervention to alleviate IBS. Those intolerance tests are bunk and unfortunately expensive bunk.

I've never known anyone not to come back with the same common list of foods as has been mentioned on the thread. Those antibodies are a record of what you have been eating, not what you are intolerant to.

I bet a lot of people out there who think it's gluten can tolerate spelt bread just fine (barring coeliac of course). Spelt has gluten but no fructans which is the fodmap that causes a lot of people with IBS to flare. Try it out and see if you notice a difference, if you do, try the fodmaps properly, it's quite restrictive but it get's easier as you introduce different foods.

For me it was wheat, onions and garlic. aka fructans.

Also what is hugely helpful in IBS C and D is to temporarily counter inflammation in the bowel during a flare by taking krill oil and vitamin D. This has changed my life on days when I'm going through a stage where it seems like I'm reacting to everything I eat.